the president says it would protect middle-class americans from a tax hike, extend unemployment benefits and set a framework for future debt reduction steps. that announcement came after he met with congressional leader. lawmakers will only have a few days to make aeal after they return from christmas break. president obama also announcing john kerry to replace hillary clinton as secretary of state. president obama credited him with playing a central role in every major foreign policy debate for nearly 30 years and called on the senate to swiftly confirm his nomination. >>> we are waiting for word on the status of this man, the u.s. veteran jailed in mexico on weapons charges after declaring an antique shotgun at the border. his name is john hammer and his family said mexico's ambassador to the u.s. told him he will be released today. anderson, back to you. >> well, that's certainly good news. we talked to his family last week. they were hugely concerned so we'll be following that closely. susan, thanks. there are obviously going to be more funerals in newtown this weekend. another funer